The biggest challenge for new visitors is that you're not just dealing with a new language but a new alphabet -- when trying to find your way around the cities make sure you have a good map. If you're a thin-skinned traveler, you'll want to seek advice or directions from the youngest, hippest person on the street; older citizens tend to speak no English and asking if they do usually affronts. You will find yourself a little more lost outside of the main centers where English speakers are rare. However, this is more than made up with sincere friendliness, and rural folk will usually make a real effort to assist in any way they can. Speaking even just a few phrases can thaw a strained atmosphere or -- outside the city -- have you seated and trying out a bowl of homemade cabbage soup with your delighted host. Here are a few phrases to help you on your way. (words, when written with Latin alphabet, are done so phonetically to aid pronunciation, but make for variations in spelling, even in place names (for example, Triavna = Tryavna).
When Yes Means No, & No Means Yes -- It's worth noting that traditionally Bulgarians shake their heads from side to side when saying yes ("da"), and nod when saying no ("ne"). This quirky characteristic is less apparent among the cool city MTV generation, but definitely worth knowing when asking, or answering, a question.
